Five FAQ About Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
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More than 20 million U.S. adults over the age of 40 are affected by cataracts. While traditional cataract surgery is both safe and effective, more and more patients are choosing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery to treat their cataracts and restore their vision.
At Ticho Eye Associates in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, and Munster, IN, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Benjamin Ticho and his expert team of doctors offer this cutting-edge procedure that provides a faster, more precise cataract treatment option to achieve dramatically clearer vision.
If you’re weighing cataract treatment options and are interested in the great results millions of patients have achieved with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, here are the five most commonly asked questions about this procedure:
1. What’s the difference between femtosecond laser cataract surgery and traditional cataract surgery?
Traditional cataract surgery and femtosecond laser cataract surgery are both safe and effective treatments to remove cataracts. Each makes small incisions in the cornea, breaks up the cataract, and then removes it, but they use different approaches.
In a traditional cataract removal surgery, the doctor uses a scalpel to make an incision into the cornea. An ultrasound probe is inserted that breaks up the cataract. After the cataract is broken up, it is removed. Then, an artificial lens is placed in the eye.
During femtosecond laser cataract surgery, the steps of the procedure are the same, but all of the incisions are made by an extremely accurate computer-controlled laser. This makes the procedure quicker and produces precise, reliable results. The laser also works to soften the cataract, reducing the amount of ultrasonic energy necessary to break up the cataract and remove it.
2. What are the benefits of femtosecond laser cataract surgery?
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Precision – At Ticho Eye Associates in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, and Munster, IN, our doctors plan their incision down to the micron level at an exact location using 3-D computer-assisted imaging. During the procedure, the laser is guided by advanced computer software to make a precise series of incisions.
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No scalpel or needles – No scalpel blades or needles are needed since the laser does the work, removing the need for multiple instruments.
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Easier removal – Because the laser softens the cataract, less energy is needed to break up the cataract and remove it, making it easier on the eye.
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Faster recovery – The corneal incisions are more likely to be self-healing and have a stronger healing response, reducing recovery time.
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Improved vision outcomes – The precise curved seat created by the laser can improve the effectiveness of the new IOL implant, leading to improved vision. This procedure can also correct astigmatism, reduce visual aberrations, and expand the range of lens implants.
3. Is femto laser cataract surgery safe?
Laser-assisted cataract surgery is widely considered very safe and effective. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), laser cataract surgery has a success rate of more than 98%.
4. How long is recovery from laser cataract surgery?
Recovery time from a femtosecond laser cataract surgery procedure can be faster than traditional cataract surgery. Most patients will be able to return to their normal routine within 24 — 48 hours.
5. Will I need to wear glasses after femtosecond laser cataract surgery?
Most patients will still need to wear glasses after their laser cataract surgery. These often include reading glasses or computer glasses (mid-range). However, choosing the correct IOLs (intraocular lenses) can greatly reduce your dependence on glasses.
Get clearer vision with laser cataract surgery
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of cataracts, like cloudy or blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or sudden nearsightedness, or have been recently diagnosed with cataracts, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery can help. At Ticho Eye Associates, Dr. Benjamin Ticho and his expert team provide this innovative cataract treatment for their patients in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, and Munster, IN. Contact our office today to learn more about laser cataract surgery and to schedule a consultation.